Abby Paterline putting versatility, knowledge to use for Franklin Regional girls soccer

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 | 4:29 PM

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Because she has grown up in a soccer family, Franklin Regional’s Abby Paterline knows the game inside and out.

She knows the field well, too, because there aren’t many spaces on it she has not occupied at one time or another.

“My dad played at Grove City, and his dad, the original Dave, coached Penn-Trafford for 20 years,” said Paterline, a junior. “My dad helps me a lot with soccer situations.”

Her father, Dave, a Franklin Regional assistant coach, was a standout goalkeeper. Abby played between the pipes until seventh grade. She doesn’t really have a definitive position with the Panthers, but it’s not goalie.

“Aris (Lamanna) was right in front of me, so I gave up goalkeeper,” Paterline said.

Instead, she has played just about everywhere else on the pitch.

At 5-foot-11, Paterline is long and strong. Teams that play No. 5 Franklin Regional (5-3, 3-2) don’t want to lose track of her.

“For us, it’s about her versatility,” Franklin Regional coach Scott Arnold said. “She has played center back, defensive midfield, attacking midfield and center forward. Everything up the middle.

“She also played a key role in our set pieces.”

Through eight games, Paterline is leading the team with four goals and 10 points.

“I have played in the midfield the most. That’s where I play in cup (with the Allegheny Force),” Paterline said. “I like to take advantage of my chances.”

Full disclosure: Paterline prefers offense.

“You don’t always have to park the bus,” she said.

Ranked No. 5 in Class 3A at the time, Franklin Regional lost to higher-ranked Latrobe, 2-1, last week.

Paterline said despite the setback, the Panthers proved something to themselves.

“We showed we can compete and stand our ground with anyone,” she said.

Arnold said Paterline is a valuable commodity on defense when the Panthers possess the ball with a lead.

“But if we need to score, we move her up,” he said.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional